Kyle Lowry torched Deron Williams for 36 points in Game 5, but most of them came before halftime. Williams scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the Nets dig out of a 26-point hole. If the good Williams shows up early, the Nets have a chance. But if he gets outplayed again, their season will end tonight.

2. Bench mob

The Nets’ bench finally figured things out late in Game 5, with big contributions from Alan Anderson and Mirza Teletovic. If the Nets hope to even the series, they need their deep bench to outplay the Raptors’ two-man bench of Patrick Patterson and Greivis Vasquez.

3. Home-court advantage?

Toronto fans have been enthusiastic and deafening. Brooklyn fans have been underwhelming and late-arriving. Tonight, fans will receive free T-shirts and 25 percent off food from the time the doors open at 5:30 until 6 p.m.